Almost Perfect Scale-Revised Research Articles

Do perfectionism types matter? Auditors' ability to detect fraud and the moderating role of time budget pressure: evidence from Egypt

Purpose This study aims to examine how auditors' perfectionism types and time budget pressure (TBP) influence fraud detection in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach We utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaires with an experimental case study in a within-subjects quasi-experimental design. Based on Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), perfectionism traits were categorized using cluster analysis into adaptive, maladaptive, and non-perfectionism. Auditors from Egyptian firms performed fraud-related tasks with TBP manipulated. Findings Auditors' perfectionism types significantly influence fraud detection capabilities. Adaptive perfectionists demonstrated higher relevance in identifying fraud factors and excelled in accurately assessing fraud risks and audit procedures planning. Conversely, maladaptive perfectionists identified more but less relevant factors. TBP notably impacted maladaptive and non-perfectionist auditors' planning quality, unlike adaptive perfectionists, who showed resilience. Practical implications Findings provide insights to audit firms to bolster audit quality through team formations and task assignments, harnessing the strengths of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionists. Regulatory entities are positioned to integrate safeguards that recognize auditor capabilities and vulnerabilities, particularly under TBP. Considering psychological assessments in auditor selection and development assures alignment of traits with audit tasks, enhancing audit quality. Originality/value This study breaks new ground in the effects of auditor perfectionism on fraud detection, considering situational factors like TBP in emerging markets. Through a mixed-methods approach and cluster analysis, it reveals how different perfectionism traits influence audit effectiveness, offering insights not previously considered in auditing literature and suggesting practical applications for enhancing fraud detection in similar contexts.

Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Competitive Orientation Inventory

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Competitive Orientation Inventory (Ch-MCOI) in adults from Mainland China. A total of 1121 participants (50.6% male; M = 28.86, SD = 8.70) were recruited for this study. All participants completed the Chinese versions of the MCOI, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS), the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS-f), and the Competition Attitude Scale (Ch-CAS). A subsample of 239 participants (50.6% male; M = 32.04, SD = 8.13) completed the Ch-MCOI again after a two-week interval to assess test–retest reliability. Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) yielded a four-factor structure (hyper-competitive orientation, self-developmental competitive orientation, anxiety-driven competition avoidance, and lack of interest toward competition), which was further validated by confirmatory factor analyses with a satisfactory fit. Furthermore, test–retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent and concurrent validity were also acceptable. Our findings suggest that the Ch-MCOI could be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the adaptive and maladaptive facets of competitive orientations in the Chinese-speaking population.

Invariância da Medida de Perfeccionismo entre Estudantes de Graduação Brasileiros e Argentinos

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the cross-cultural invariance of perfectionism between Brazilian and Argentinian cultures, using the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R). A series of multi-group exploratory structural equation modeling models were used to test configural, metric, and scalar measurement invariance. The total sample comprised 1589 undergraduate students, 835 Brazilians, and 754 Argentinians, mean age=25.03 (SD=6.58 years). Multi-group analyses revealed that configural and metric measurement invariance were achieved. Partial scalar invariance was found after constraints on the thresholds of items 2 and 10 were released. Minor differences were found in the high standards and order dimensions, although results should be interpreted cautiously due to non-invariance. Overall, the results suggest that the APS-R is mostly comparable between Brazilians and Argentinians. Possible differences in non-invariance specific to some of the scale items, and implications for cross-cultural research of perfectionism are discussed.

The Impact of Perfectionism on the Incidence of Major Depression in Chinese Medical Freshmen: From a 1-Year Longitudinal Study.

Perfectionism is a pivotal factor in the etiology and prognosis of major depression. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of longitudinal research examining the association between perfectionism and major depressive disorder (MDD). The objective of this study was to explore the impact of perfectionism on MDD among a cohort of first-year Chinese university students. This study employed a longitudinal design to investigate the relationship between perfectionism and MDD in a sample of first-year Chinese university students (n=8079). Socially prescribed perfectionism and almost perfectionism were measured using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) and the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), while MDD was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-3.0). Random effects logistic regression modeling was utilized to estimate the associations between the variables. The findings revealed that the incidence of MDD was 0.6%. Lifetime exposure to severe traumatic events (≥10) (OR=2.619, 95% CI: 1.502-4.565) and almost perfectionism (OR=1.015, 95% CI: 1.004-1.026) were identified as significant risk factors for MDD. It is evident that perfectionism is linked to an increased susceptibility to MDD. However, additional longitudinal studies focusing on university students are imperative to delve deeper into the influence of perfectionism on the initial manifestation of MDD.

The Influence of Positive and Negative Aspects of Perfectionism on Psychological Distress in Emerging Adulthood: Exploring the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion.

Perfectionism constitutes a multidimensional personality trait. According to the diathesis-stress model, perfectionism may predispose individuals to experience increased psychological distress during stressful periods. Since self-compassion is considered as a protective factor within the context of mental health difficulties, the primary objective of this study was to explore the mediating function of self-compassion in the relationship between positive (i.e., high standards and order) and negative (i.e., discrepancy) aspects of perfectionism and psychological distress among Greek emerging adults. The sample consisted of 410 university students (47.6% males and 52.4% females), with a mean age of 20.61 ± 1.88 years. The Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) were used to assess perfectionism, self-compassion, and psychological distress, respectively. The results indicated that self-compassion mediated the association between positive and negative aspects of perfectionism and different dimensions of psychological distress (i.e., somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression). Specifically, discrepancy and increased levels of high standards were related to lower levels of self-compassion, thus leading to greater endorsement of psychological distress. In contrast, order was associated with higher levels of self-compassion, thus leading to lower levels of psychological distress. The findings of the present study highlight that self-compassion is an overall important area to examine in nonclinical populations. These findings have implications for the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in enhancing individuals' self-acceptance and awareness of their perfectionistic tendencies, as well as compassion-focused therapy (CFT) in elevating self-compassion, mindfulness, and overall psychological well-being while reducing psychological distress.

The Almost Perfect Scale in medical students: factor analysis, measurement invariance, and profile analysis.

Incoming medical students at a private midwestern medical school are routinely surveyed at the time of matriculation on wellness measures, one of which is the Almost Perfect Scale - Revised (APS-R). An 8-item subset of this 23-item scale has been suggested as an alternative perfectionism measure, called the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS). To confirm the within-network and between-network construct validity of both scales in our population, responses in 592 matriculating medical students from the years 2020-2022 were analyzed using both versions of this scale. Confirmatory factor analysis found the items significantly measured the construct of perfectionism in the SAPS scale, but not the APS-R. The APS-R was not analyzed further. SAPS was analyzed for measurement invariance (MI) and was equivocal for gender at the scalar level; differential item functioning indicated that any MI effect was small. Latent profile analysis was inconclusive in our sample, possibly because our students' scores on the latent variable "standards" were consistently higher than previously reported. We recommend that the SAPS be used rather than the APS in medical students, that gender differences be analyzed with caution, and that profiles of types of perfectionists not be utilized in this population without further investigation. Finally, we suggest that the discrepancy scale alone may be a better indicator of perfectionism in this population of high achievers.

Social media pressure and the body dysmorphic disorder tendency in women: The mediating role of perfectionism

The ideal body image displayed in social media often makes women vulnerable to body image issues, one of which is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This study aims to examine the role of social media pressure in predicting the tendency towards such a disorder in emerging adult women, with each of the three dimensions of perfectionism as a mediator. The participants were 385 women aged 18-25 years who used social media and were selected using the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Screening Scale, Social Media Pressure Scale, Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), and some open-ended questions distributed online through various social media. The BDD tendency model tested using structural equation modeling has a good fit with the data (χ2/df = .019, RMSEA = .001, CFI = 1.00) and shows that the role of social media pressure in women's BDD tendency was fully mediated through the discrepancy dimension of perfectionism. The findings indicate that a program is needed to develop media literacy and promote positive body images for women who use social media to prevent body image issues.

Relations of the german almost perfect scale-revised and short almost perfect scale with the big five personality facets

The Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R) and its short form (SAPS) are among the most-established multidimensional perfectionism measures. Yet, investigations into the APS-R/SAPS nomological networks have mainly been limited to the level of broader personality traits. This reliance on trait-level associations hampers the conceptual understanding of perfectionism traits by masking more complex relations with specific cognitive, emotional, and behavioral tendencies (personality facets). In this study, we validated German versions of the APS-R and SAPS and assessed their relations with the Big Five personality facets in two samples (NSample 1 = 305 university students; NSample 2 = 467 community adults). Both scales displayed satisfactory psychometric properties, convergent and criterion-related validity. Analyses on the level of the Big Five personality facets revealed complex and nuanced patterns of relations. These findings provide new insights into the APS-R and SAPS nomological networks and facilitate the conceptual distinction between the APS-R subscales.

The Trend of Authentic Leadership Skills in Nursing Education: The Key Role of Perfectionism and Self-Efficacy

(1) Background: Shaping leadership skills is a complex process, which may be modified by psychological factors such as self-efficacy and perfectionism. The aim of the study was to determine whether perfectionism can be a mediator between self-efficacy, and authentic leadership skills in nursing students; (2) Methods: The cross-sectional study included 615 Polish nursing students (women = 96.3%) was carried out at Medical University of Warsaw in 2019. The following research tools were used: Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES); (3) Results: The level of perfectionism is a significant mediator of relations between self-efficacy as measured by the GSES and the level of authentic leadership (Sobel test: t = 6.958; p < 0.000). The relation, without a mediating factor, is positive, and the standardized beta coefficient for the feeling of self-efficacy totals beta = 0.470 (p < 0.000), while in the presence of a mediator the strength of the correlation is smaller and amounts to beta = 0.366 (p < 0.000); (4) Conclusions: Personality factors such as self-efficacy and perfectionism play an important role in shaping AL skills of nursing students. Therefore, academic teachers should pay special attention to strengthening students’ self-efficacy and adaptive perfectionism. In this context, adequate feedback and reflection may be important.

The Mediating Effect of Social Problem-Solving Between Perfectionism and Subjective Well-Being.

This study examined the relationship between perfectionism and subjective well-being (SWB) and dimensions of social problem-solving ability. The Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), Social problem-solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used to conduct a questionnaire survey of 202 Chinese adults. The results found that: (1) Subjective well-being was significantly negatively correlated with the discrepancy dimension of perfectionism and was also significantly negatively correlated with the negative problem orientation of social problem-solving. (2) The discrepancy dimension reflected in maladaptive perfectionism was significantly positively correlated with the negative aspects of social problem solving (Negative Problem Orientation, NPO; Impulsivity-Carelessness Style, ICS; and Avoidance Style, AS). (3) The negative problem orientation (NPO) dimension in SPSI-R, as a partial mediator, mediated the negative correlation between maladaptive perfectionism and subjective well-being. In conclusion, perfectionism and social problem-solving ability had different degrees of influence on the SWB of Chinese adults, and attention could be paid to dealing with discrepancy and how to reduce negative problem-solving tendency in education and clinical practice.

Relationship between perfectionism, self-objectification and risk of eating disorders in young women in Lithuania

The goal of this study was to examine risk of eating disorders, perfectionism and self-objectification, as well as the interrelationship between perfectionism and self-objectification in young females. This study was based on the theory of the Cult of Thinness and the dominant culture that supports it. Such research was never conducted in Lithuania before. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive relationship between risk of eating disorders, perfectionism and self-objectification. Also, it was predicted that this relationship would be different in women without risk of eating disorders, and that there would be a positive relationship between perfectionism and self-objectification. A total of 217 females aged 18–24 participated in this study. Their average age was 20 years. The research was conducted in Lithuanian Facebook groups for university students and those interested in healthy eating and dieting. Several instruments were used in the research: Eating Attitudes Test – 26 (EAT–26) (Garner ir kt., 1982), Almost Perfect Scale – Revised (APS-R) (Slaney, Mobley, Trippi, Ashby ir Johnson, 2001) and Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBC) (McKinley ir Hyde, 1996). The participants were also asked about their gender, age and place of residence. The results revealed that women at risk for eating disorders are associated with higher levels of body shame. Women who do not have a risk of developing eating disorders, are more inclined to set high standards for themselves than those who have a risk of developing it. Women at risk for eating disorders are also more likely to see themselves as failing to meet their personal standards for performance than those with no risk of eating disorders. Also, the study showed that the higher the degree of women’s discrepancy between expectations and performance, the higher is the extent of their body shame. These results could be helpful in the treatment of young women with eating disorders and disordered eating.

An open trial internet-delivered intervention for perfectionism

Addressing perfectionism through psychological interventions represent an important avenue that can contribute to population’s psychological wellbeing. This study investigates the effect of an online intervention program for perfectionism implemented in Romania. After completing the online screening 41 adult volunteer participants with elevated levels of perfectionism were selected for this open trial. The Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) Concern over Mistakes, and Personal Standards subscales, and Almost Perfect Scale–Revised (APS-R) Discrepancy and High standards subscales were selected as primary outcome measures. As part of the intervention program we used psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral techniques to reduce perfectionism. Following this 45-days program participants displayed lower levels on both perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic striving (i.e., all primary outcome measures yielding a within-group Cohen’s d effect size between .23 and .55) and lower levels of depression, anxiety, stress, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, as well as increased self-acceptance (i.e., within-group Cohen’s d effect size between .11 and .40). Despite inherent limitations, these results provide initial evidence for the effectiveness of online interventions addressing perfectionism in a new culture. Using shorter, more engaging versions for guided online perfectionism interventions is proposed as a possible avenue to be tested in the future.

Music performance anxiety and perfectionism in Croatian musicians

Music performance anxiety (MPA) is part of every musician’s life. Individual differences in MPA have been associated with individual differences in perfectionism, especially maladaptive perfectionism. The aim of this study was to examine MPA and its association with perfectionism in a combined sample of music students studying at the Academy of Music and members of the professional orchestras in Zagreb. Based on the previous studies, we hypothesized that gender, age, and maladaptive perfectionism would predict higher MPA. Data were collected for 239 musicians (152 music students, 87 orchestral musicians, 50.2% female), who filled in Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory–Revised (K-MPAI-R) and Almost Perfect Scale–Revised (APS-R). In our sample, 28% ( n = 67) of musicians had a clinically significant MPA level. In the regression analysis with gender, age, and dimensions of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism as predictors, 46% of the MPA variance was explained with gender (β = .14, p = .007), age (β = −.22, p &lt; .001), and discrepancy (β = .62, p &lt; .001) as significant predictors. Higher MPA was predicted by being female, a younger musician, and having a higher maladaptive perfectionism. This indicates it would be important to deal with maladaptive perfectionism to effectively manage MPA.

Διερεύνηση των σχέσεων της γονικότητας με την εκδήλωση τελειοθηρίας σε φοιτητικό πληθυσμό

Previous research suggests that the origins of perfectionism lie in parental factors. The present study examined how parenting style and family perfectionism is associated with the manifestation of perfectionism in a sample of 855 Greek university students, using the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), the Family Almost Perfect Scale (FAPS) and the Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ). The subscales of APS-R and FAPS are combined to provide three types of personal and family perfectionism respectively (adaptive, maladaptive, absence of perfectionism), whereas PAQ distinguishes three parenting styles (authoritarian, permissive, authoritative). The authoritative parenting style was positively associated with adaptive perfectionism in both genders and negatively associated with maladaptive perfectionism among women, the authoritarian parenting style was positively associated with maladaptive perfectionism among men, whereas the permissive parenting style was positively associated with maladaptive perfectionism among women and the absence of perfectionism among men. Moreover, the type of personal perfectionism was associated to the respective type of family perfectionism.

Perfectionism in a Transdiagnostic Context

Abstract. Despite recent claims that perfectionism is a transdiagnostic process, few studies have directly tested this hypothesis. We investigated the relationship between perfectionism measured by the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R) and the Axis I psychopathology (affective and anxiety disorders) using a transdiagnostic approach. Adult participants ( N = 450, 78% females, Mage = 33 years) completed a series of online self-report measures of perfectionism, anxiety, and depression for this cross-sectional study. The results support a linear relationship between the Discrepancy subscale of APS-R and anxiety/affective psychopathology, while a non-linear relationship appeared between the High Standards subscale of APS-R and anxiety/affective psychopathology. Overall, we provided additional evidence for the transdiagnostic nature of perfectionism, as higher levels of perfectionistic concerns appear to be associated with higher number of clinical symptoms in multiple domains. The possible implications of the study are discussed.

MALADAPTIVE PERFECTIONISM AND AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE STUDENTS

Leadership skills can be critical in emergency medicine. However, there are no works that analyze this issue in much more details. To analyze the level of leadership skills in emergency medicine students, and also checking if despondency perfectionism is a variable that reduce the correlation between self-efficacy and leadership skills. The analyzed group consisted of 75.76% of all emergency medicine students taking up education at the Medical University of Warsaw in 2018 (n = 150, W = 74, M = 71). The average age was 23 years (SD = 1.7). All students were divided into two groups: Group 0 - without maladaptive perfectionism (n = 64), and group 1- with maladaptive perfectionism (n = 79). In the cross-sectional study, three standardized research tools were used: Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). ANCOVA analysis was used. The linear regression coefficients for both comparison groups were significantly different (interaction of variables: “maladaptive perfectionism * self-efficacy”: F = 4.841, p = .029). Comparing adjusted mean values for both groups (0 vs 1), it can be stated that students from group 0 had a significantly higher level of authentic leadership skills compared to group 1 (F = 4.432, p = .037). Studies to determine the mechanisms of a positive relationship between the self-efficacy and leadership skills in emergency medicine students with high maladaptive perfectionism are required. This will allow the development of effective programs to strengthen the leadership skills of these students.

Perfectionism in occupational science students: occupational therapy implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to categorize perfectionism and determine how perfectionism impacts the occupations and perceived health of students in a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science program. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive study with a survey component was conducted. Participants were categorized as perfectionists or non-perfectionists using the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R). Time logs were collected to compare categories of time-use between groups over a one-week period. An online survey was conducted with a sub-sample of the perfectionists. Findings More students were categorized as perfectionists (N = 41) than non-perfectionists (N = 3). Both groups spent similar amounts of time engaged in productive, pleasurable and restorative occupations. Some perfectionists reported that perfectionism supported health, but others reported negative impacts on well-being. Research limitations/implications This study included a small sample size limited to one Occupational Science program in the USA. Originality/value Results demonstrated positive and negative health impacts because of perfectionism. The majority of participants were identified as perfectionists; rigorous academic programs may attract students with perfectionistic qualities. Findings are relevant for Occupational Therapy, as these students will become future occupational therapists after completing a Master’s program in Occupational Therapy and may be susceptible to negative outcomes associated with perfectionism such as workaholism and poor health.

Addressing Concerns About How Perfectionistic Discrepancy Should Be Measured With the Revised Almost Perfect Scale.

We examine the conceptual and empirical merits of concerns Flett et al. recently raised about the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R), specifically that items on the APS-R Discrepancy should be separated into a "Pure" Discrepancy factor and a Dissatisfaction factor. Limitations in the logic and findings of that critique are summarized. We replicate and extend Flett et al.'s study with results from two samples: (a) college freshmen STEM students ( N = 279) and (b) doctoral students in a national sample ( N = 529). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the alternative measurement models could be fit to the data, but were not practical improvements over the original APS-R factor model: Alternative discrepancy factors failed to demonstrate discriminant validity, nor did they have meaningfully different patterns of associations with numerous criterion variables (i.e., stress, emotion regulation, rumination, adult attachment, and life satisfaction). Thus, a data-based answer to the question of how perfectionistic discrepancy should be assessed is to stay the course with confidence using the original APS-R.

Dimensions of perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive) in adolescents with eating disorder

This study analyzed the association of adaptive and maladaptive dimensions of perfectionism in women with eating disorders (ED), risk of ED, and inherent features of ED. The sample included 246 women aged between 13 and 19years divided into three groups: with ED (n=59), in risk of ED (n=17), and without ED or risk (n=170); for group assignation participants were interviewed with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). Participants completed the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-3) and the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R). According to the models that state the existence of two well defined dimensions of perfectionism, adolescents in risk of ED and with ED got higher scores in Discrepancy (maladaptive dimension), but not in High standards (adaptive dimension). Besides positive associations were found between Discrepancy and all scales of EDI-3, except for Maturity fears; however also in the ED group positive associations were found between High standards and Order with Drive for thinness, result that do not allow to confirm the adaptive value of these two latter dimensions of perfectionism among adolescents with ED.

Death Anxiety, Perfectionism and Disordered Eating

Recently, death anxiety, or dread of death, has been proposed as a key transdiagnostic process underlying the anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, somatic disorders, and trauma and stressor-related disorders. In fact, it has been argued that death anxiety underlies all psychopathology, and is more fundamental than perfectionism, a process which was previously considered the root of mental illness. However, there has been a paucity of research examining the relationship between death anxiety and the eating disorders, although these conditions have been found to be strongly related to perfectionism. The present study therefore aimed to examine whether death anxiety is related to disordered eating, and whether death anxiety is a better predictor of disordered eating than perfectionism. A sample of 164 participants (132 female), average age 33.55 years (SD= 15.45 years), completed an online survey comprising background questions (age, sex, diagnosed psychiatric disorder), the Eating Attitudes Test — 26 item version (EAT-26), the Almost Perfect Scale — Revised (APS-R), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS). The findings of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis with EAT-26 as the dependent variable, age entered at Step 1, the RSES and APS-R entered at Step 2, and the DAS entered at Step 3 showed that only death anxiety and self-esteem were independent predictors of disordered eating at Step 3. A simultaneous multiple regression analysis was subsequently run with age and the APS-R alone as predictors of EAT-26 scores. This analysis showed that perfectionism was only a predictor of disordered eating when death anxiety and self-esteem were not included in the regression model. Death anxiety and self-esteem both appear to be important transdiagnostic processes.